What jobs can I do with BA law?
Asked by: Bianka Batz | Last update: May 27, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (18 votes)
With a BA in Law (or Legal Studies), you can pursue diverse roles in the justice system (Paralegal, Probation Officer), government (Policy Analyst, Foreign Service), business (Compliance Officer, HR, Contracts), or use it as a foundation for further legal education, working as a Legal Assistant, Mediator, or even in fields like Finance and Investigation. Your degree offers broad skills in regulation, analysis, and critical thinking applicable across many sectors needing legal insight.
What can you do with a bachelor's of law?
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- Academic Administration. Academic Support Program Coordinator. ...
- Law School Clinical Program Supervisor. Law School Development/Fundraising Officer. ...
- Structured Settlements Professional. Banking and Finance. ...
- Trust Officer/Administrator. ...
- Bankruptcy Appeals Clerk. ...
- Computer Fraud Investigator.
What does a BA in law get you?
The BA in Law empowers you to get a jump-start on your career as a legislative and regulatory affairs analyst, mediator, foreign service officer, related personnel legal translator, or legal advocate, to name a few.
What can I do with a BA in legal studies?
Jobs you can get with a legal studies degree
- Legal assistant. National average salary: $51,572 per year Primary duties: A legal assistant communicates with legal clients, does administrative duties and prepares legal documents to assist attorneys in their work. ...
- Legal secretary. ...
- Paralegal. ...
- Probation officer. ...
- Social worker.
Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?
Yes, many lawyers earn $500,000 or more annually, especially partners at large firms, top corporate lawyers, or specialized trial attorneys, but it's not typical for the average lawyer, whose median salary is much lower, requiring significant experience, specialization (like IP or M&A), and business acumen to reach that high income level.
What you can expect to earn as a Lawyer in South Africa
What is the lowest paid lawyer?
There's no single minimum salary for lawyers, as pay varies wildly by location, firm size, and specialization, but entry-level salaries range from around $50k-$70k in public interest/small firms to over $200k at big corporate firms, with overall averages often near $100k-$120k. The lowest earnings are typically in public service, while high-paying areas include corporate law, IP, and big cities like NYC or D.C.
Why do lawyers take 33%?
Lawyers often take around 33% (a third) in contingency fees, especially in personal injury cases, because it's a risk-sharing model where they only get paid if they win, covering upfront costs like experts and investigations, and the fee reflects the significant time, resources, and risk involved, with percentages sometimes increasing to 40% if the case goes to trial. This allows clients without upfront funds to access legal representation, as they pay nothing if they lose.
Is $400 an hour a lot for a lawyer?
Yes, $400 an hour is a significant amount for a lawyer, but whether it's "a lot" depends on factors like the lawyer's experience, location (urban areas charge more), and specialty (corporate law often costs more). While $100-$300 is a common range, $400 can be standard for experienced attorneys in complex fields or major cities, and even less experienced lawyers in big firms might bill similarly, with partners charging much more.
Is a bachelor of laws degree worth it?
Increase Your Career Opportunities
A law degree can break down barriers in the workplace and open doors to many potential opportunities. Much of what you learn in law school transfers well to the corporate world, regardless if that's at a large nonprofit or business.
What are 5 careers in law?
Five diverse legal careers include Lawyer (specializing in areas like criminal, corporate, or IP law), Paralegal, Judge/Hearing Officer, Arbitrator/Mediator, and roles in Legal Compliance (like Compliance Officer or Contract Manager), offering paths from direct representation to support and alternative dispute resolution.
Do law schools prefer BA or BS?
Do law schools really care about your major? Unlike medical school, which requires certain prerequisite courses, law school doesn't require that you major in anything specific or take certain classes before applying. Your LSAT score and your GPA are the key determining factors in law school admissions.
How many years to BA lawyer?
The post-high-school education required to be a lawyer generally takes seven years. This includes four years of undergraduate study and three years of law school. However, you also need to pass the bar exam, and this could add extra time, especially if you don't pass on the first attempt.
What is the hardest subject in law school?
While subjective, Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, and Federal Courts/Tax Law are frequently cited as the hardest law school subjects due to their complexity, abstract nature, and overlapping rules, though individual experiences vary by student and professor. Civ Pro's intricate processes, Con Law's ambiguous standards, and Tax Law's dense codes often challenge students.
What works with law but not a lawyer?
People who work with law but not as lawyers often fill crucial support roles like Paralegals, Legal Assistants, and Legal Secretaries, handling research, drafting, and administration, or move into specialized areas like Compliance Officer, Contract Administrator, Mediator, or E-Discovery Specialist, leveraging legal knowledge for specific business or regulatory functions. These careers support attorneys by managing legal tasks and ensuring organizational adherence to rules, without requiring the JD and bar license to provide legal advice or represent clients in court.
Which job is best after BA LLB?
Here are the Top 10 Job opportunities for a BA LLB Degree Holder-
- Legal Secretary - This is one of the common positions for a BA LLB degreeholder in India. ...
- Law Clerk - ...
- Legal Associate/Advisor - ...
- Litigation Lawyer - ...
- Criminal Lawyer - ...
- Legal Analyst - ...
- Company Secretary - ...
- Legal Advisor -
What can you do with a law degree besides a lawyer?
Top 10 Alternative Careers for Law Degree Holders
- Business Consultant. For legal professionals with business insight, consulting is a natural fit. ...
- Entrepreneur. ...
- Legal Journalist. ...
- Legal Marketer & Content Writer. ...
- Law Professor or Educator. ...
- Arbitrator or Mediator. ...
- Human Resources Leader. ...
- Project Manager.
Can you make $500,000 as a lawyer?
Yes, lawyers can absolutely make $500,000 or more, especially by specializing in high-paying areas (like corporate, IP, or medical malpractice), working in large firms ("Big Law") as partners, building successful solo practices in lucrative niches, or becoming General Counsel for major companies, though it requires strategic focus, business acumen, and often, working smarter, not just harder, through marketing and efficiency.
What can you do with a BA in legal studies?
Other students may choose to enter the state and federal court systems, handle contracts for real estate agents, or work as other contract administrators. Here's a short list of common career pursuits after students graduate with a legal studies degree: Paralegal or legal assistant. Compliance officer.
Has Kim Kardashian taken the LSAT?
Kim takes the California Bar Exam's “baby bar” without completing a bachelor's degree or taking the LSAT. Kim continues to balance her legal pursuits with media and business ventures, using her platform for criminal justice reform advocacy.
Is Kim Kardashian a lawyer or attorney?
No, Kim Kardashian is not yet a lawyer or attorney; she is studying to pass the California Bar Exam after completing a six-year legal apprenticeship, but she has not yet passed the final exam required for licensure, despite her efforts and passing the "baby bar" (First-Year Law Students' Exam) previously.
Why do lawyers take 33%?
Lawyers often take around 33% (a third) in contingency fees, especially in personal injury cases, because it's a risk-sharing model where they only get paid if they win, covering upfront costs like experts and investigations, and the fee reflects the significant time, resources, and risk involved, with percentages sometimes increasing to 40% if the case goes to trial. This allows clients without upfront funds to access legal representation, as they pay nothing if they lose.
How old is the youngest lawyer?
The youngest lawyer is currently Sophia Park, who passed the California Bar exam at 17 years and 8 months old in late 2024, breaking her brother's record and becoming the youngest in California history. While she passed the exam, she was sworn in as a licensed attorney in March 2025 after turning 18, joining the Tulare County District Attorney's Office as a prosecutor.
Do lawyers get paid if they lose a case?
In reality, many attorneys do not get paid if they lose a case. If your lawyer is working on a contingency fee, they only get paid if they recover money for you. That means you can focus on your recovery without worrying about paying legal fees up front.
What not to say to a lawyer?
You should not tell a lawyer to "just do it," admit fault (like saying "I'm sorry" or "it was my fault"), downplay your case ("it's simple/quick"), compare them to other lawyers, or lie or withhold information, as these undermine their ability to help you; instead, be honest, factual, and provide all details, even bad ones, so they can build the strongest case, letting them guide strategy.
Is $10,000 a lot for a lawyer?
Lawyers typically charge retainer fees ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on their experience, location, and case complexity. For more complex cases, retainers can exceed $10,000. The specifics are outlined in a retainer agreement, which may be refundable or non-refundable.